Name: Melodye Rosales

Illinois Connection

Rosales lives in Champaign.

Biographical and Professional Information

Melodye Rosales is an author and illustrator. She has created illustrations for the "Addy" books in the popular American Girls series, and she has illustrated a collection of poems. She has also written books of her own, including a new series featuring the character Minnie Merriweather. Rosales likes working on books that feature African Americans. Some of them are new versions of familiar tales, such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, with African American characters.

In the year 1864, young Addy & her mother try to escape slavery by fleeing to the North after her father is sold again & they are separated. After their escape from North Carolina to Philadelphia in the summer of 1864, Addy and her mother begin their new life as free people as her mother gets a paying job and Addy goes to school and learns a lesson in true friendship. Addy Walker is a proud, courageous girl growing up in 1864, during the midst of the Civil War. Addy's stories tell of her daring escape with her mother from slavery, and the challenges they face afterward as they try to reunite their family. But Addy's stories are about much more than hardship. They are full of the love and hope that help her get through the worst of times and keep her dreams alive! Addy starts her new life in Philadelphia. At school for the first time, she learns about reading and writing -- and more.

Addy and her mother forgo their Christmas plans to help the newly freed slaves arriving in Philadelphia during the Civil War. Addy Walker is a proud, courageous girl growing up in 1864, during the midst of the Civil War. Addy's stories tell of her daring escape with her mother from slavery, and the challenges they face afterward as they try to reunite their family. But Addy's stories are about much more than hardship. They are full of the love and hope that help her get through the worst of times and keep her dreams alive! During the holiday season, Addy and Momma are generous with their meager savings and thrilled by a wonderful surprise.

On a North Carolina plantation, a young slave girl's Christmas is brightened by the Johnkankus parade she witnesses as she waits for her parents to come home. In the times of slavery, young Irene Jennie hopes her parents, on loan to another plantation, will return for Christmas.

"With a large helping of rural Southern flavor, a classic nursery tale becomes a new adventure in an African-American version of Goldilocks and the three bears. Color illustrations throughout." -- From Lexile website.

An African American family greets a new baby in the home with welcoming rituals that go back to tribal Africa. An African American family greets a new baby in the home with welcoming rituals that go back to tribal Africa. Members of an extended African American family celebrate with joy and pride the birth of a first-born son.

Fourth grader Tommy Price, Jr., and his friend Bonnie Sue, whose families work for area rodeos, investigate the mysterious occurrences that threaten to close down the Red Bluffs Rodeo and stop country singer Mel Jones from performing.